Project GS07ADHR: Adriatic dolphins in Croatia

The bottlenose dolphin is the only cetacean regularly found in the Adriatic sea. The bottlenose dolphin is one of the largest dolphins growing up to 3,5 m in this region.

Project

Volunteer work with dolphins Croatia. This project is one of the projects organized by a Croatia Non Governmental Organization (NGO). This was formed to carry out scientific research and the conservation of the sea and its inhabitants. Emphasis is placed on the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas.

The project Adriatic dolphins is a long-term study on ecology and conservation of the bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the area around the islands of Cres and Lošinj. The aim of the project is to provide an overall picture of the population status and dynamics of the tumblers. The research focuses on the dynamics of the dolphin population, nutrition, ecology and the impact of human activities. Collected data is regularly used to write reports on the status and ecology of the tumbler population, in order to propose a solution for effective conservation of these beautiful mammals.

An international research team is working on the project, which consists of various researchers and students in areas such as biology and ecology. They are enthusiastic people who will be happy to answer all your questions and who will be happy to accompany you during your stay. The language of instruction on this project is English.

The field base is located in a cozy town on the east coast of the island Lošinj in Croatia. The coastline is very diverse and consists mainly of different bays and underwater caves. In the center there is a small harbor with shops and several restaurants. The marine in this area belongs to the cleanest part of the Northern Adriatic sea, with underwater visibility of more than 20 meters. Snorkeling and diving in this clear sea is certainly one of the possibilities. It is possible to undertake other excursions for example visiting surrounding villages with their many sightseeing’s in your free time.

You will travel to the project in Croatia on your own initiative. Detailed travel information will be provided after your booking.

The voluntering work with dolphins varies and for example your tasks may be:

If the sea is calm and the weather is fine, you may come on board the boat to search for dolphins. Sometimes the dolphins are located within a few minutes, however it could take several hours;

When a group of dolphins is located, everyone on board will be assigned a specific task, which for example may be recording data: for example the time, the number of breakdowns of the dolphins. Also the dolphins behavioral activity will be studied;

If the sea is not calm, you will remain at the base, helping with analyze and enter data;

A daily lecture is offered on aspects of cetacean biology, the marine environment or the research procedures;

Helping the staff and students by taking visitors around the educational centre and explaining the exhibition;

You will also be required to help in everyday tasks such as the preparation of meals and field base / volunteer accommodation maintenance.

Working hours when in the base are usually from 9 am till 16 pm. Sunday is designated as a free day.

Global Spirit is an organization that has been committed to and provides assistance to nature organizations in different parts of the world for almost 15 years. By sending volunteers to these organizations they are not only helped financially, but also by manpower.